Wayne County nonprofits and organizations that have stepped up for our local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic will now have access to relief grants under a program proposed by Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans.

The "Wayne County Nonprofit Relief Fund" will ease the acute challenges that nonprofit organizations face and support their continued viability serving communities through the pandemic and beyond. Funding for the program comes from the county's allotment from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

"Nonprofits, large and small, are coming together to serve our communities like never before, providing essential goods, services, and resources to help those struggling during this crisis," said Executive Evans. "Wayne County has been disproportionately hit by the pandemic, further underscoring the widespread disparities and inequities facing so many of our neighbors and families. These organizations have truly stepped up and are critical to the recovery of our community."

Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell called non-profit agencies the "backbone" of support efforts for Wayne County families during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"The help our non-profits have provided is absolutely essential, yet their own resources are being stretched as they, too, struggle with the impact of this pandemic," Chair Bell said. "This program is necessary in continuing to best serve our Wayne County communities."

Wayne County nonprofit organizations can qualify for one-time grants up to $25,000. Eligibility requirements include:

• Registered 501c3 organizations in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service.
• Demonstrated capacity to provide pandemic-related services.
• Located in area/zip codes disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Located within Wayne County.

Pandemic-related services include those that promote the health, safety, and welfare of the community. Examples include nonprofits that provide:

• Food for those out of work
• Shelter for the housing insecure
• Health screenings
• COVID-19 testing
• Grief / mental health counseling
• Personal protective equipment to community organization serves
• Utility and rent bill assistance
• Pro-bono legal services
• Transportation cost
  

Selected entities to receive funding through this program shall be subject to financial audits by the County, at the County's discretion, to ensure the entity is in compliance with the CARES Act and the County's Grant Program spending requirements. All funding provided through this Wayne County program must be used in a manner incidental to the services provided by any selected organization, and cannot be used to support a primary function critical to the organization's existence.

The application period will run from October 26, 2020 - November 9, 2020 and will be available on WayneCounty.com begining Monday October 26. Non-profits interested in more information or applying for the grant program may contact China Cochran at (313) 224-0269 or ccochran@waynecounty.com.